Step shows can be found almost everywhere in the United States. Once performed exclusively by Greek African American fraternities and sororities that originally helped develop the popularity of step shows, these shows are now spreading across the country and the world. More and more people are getting involved in moving from university organizations and religious groups to high schools and local communities.
The international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities under the umbrella organization of nine historically blacks, the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) is an international Greek lettered group. . The Greek letter societies collectively referred to as the “Divine Nine”, evolved as organizations during a period when African Americans were denied essential rights and privileges afforded to other college students.
Some Greek organizations help coordinate stepping competitions in middle and high schools, giving the younger generation the chance to experience what stepping is all about. While many of the step show organizations and contests follow in the footsteps of African American Greek organizations, they also help preserve and promote their cultural history, as well as promote the importance of making a difference in their communities. A portion of the proceeds from step programs sometimes goes to create scholarship funds or is used to help communities. This form of dance gives much more than entertainment to the people involved. It also gives them the opportunity to help in any way they can.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs are educational institutions in the United States that were established before 1964 with the intention of serving the African-American community.
Societies with Greek letters include:
or Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
or Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
or Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
or Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
or Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
or Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
or Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
or Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
or Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
In the late 1960s, historically black fraternities and sororities began to adopt the steps on college campuses. The black Greek letter system, which previously used step shows as a rite of passage for pledges, plays an important role in the college step scene. There are often specific steps for each chapter, and sometimes groups jokingly make fun of each other’s styles during competitions and benefits. Each society or fraternity has its own team of steps. Joining these organizations provides a pleasant bonding experience.
The members of the step teams practice the routine twice a week, which is coordinated by a coach. Drawing steps from members’ past experience allows teams to combine a variety of steps to keep the audience engaged. Members are encouraged to create their own steps and give suggestions on what works and what doesn’t.
Many people can be put off by seeing a step routine. However, working from the basics is a good way for people to see that the more complex steps are just combinations of simpler things with some crossing over. The existence of “rhythm” can be learned over time if not immediately integrated. Step Team members enjoy physical and often aerobic exercise.
The All State HBCU Showdown is one of many national step competitions that elevates this century-old tradition of step, a complex performance involving synchronized percussion movements, singing, speaking, singing, dancing and drama, to the next level.